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How can I check if my orthopedic surgeon accepts my insurance?
Zocdoc makes it easy to find an orthopedic surgeon in Tampa, FL who accepts your insurance. Simply select your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re unsure about the plan name, here's a handy guide to help navigate.
How do patients rate their experience with booking orthopedic surgeons in Tampa, FL on Zocdoc?
On Zocdoc, orthopedic surgeons in Tampa, FL have an average rating of 4.75 based on approximately 53 reviews. In Tampa, FL you can find 24 orthopedic surgeons with 4-stars or higher. Zocdoc collects reviews from real patients after each appointment, ensuring authentic feedback. Only patients who have booked and attended appointments may post reviews, providing trustworthy and reliable insights into patient experiences.
Can I book a video visit with an orthopedic surgeon?
Yes, you can book a video visit with an orthopedic surgeon. There are currently no locations that offer video visits in this city. When a provider offers video visits, you will see a small video camera icon next to their profile image. Select a date and time from their available appointment slots and go through the booking process.
Who is an orthopedic surgeon?
An orthopedic surgeon is an expert who can diagnose and treat concerns with the musculoskeletal system, which includes the skeleton, bones, tendons, joints, nerves, muscles, and ligaments. They can perform surgical procedures such as knee replacements or use rehabilitation or other medical techniques to treat patients. Orthopedic surgeons treat patients of all ages for a variety of ailments, such as clubfoot, arthritis, bone fractures, muscular dystrophy, and bone cancer.
An orthopedic surgeon can also use treatment procedures other than surgical ones. They may also recommend non-surgical techniques to treat injury, disease, or bone and ligament problems. They only recommend surgery if it is necessary. Further, orthopedics can prescribe medication and provide preventive care and advice.
Orthopedic surgeons can also specialize in specific areas, such as pediatric surgery, or certain parts of the musculoskeletal body system, such as the spine, hip, knee, foot and ankle, shoulder and elbow, or hands.
What kind of education and training do orthopedic surgeons receive?
To become an orthopedic surgeon, candidates must first graduate with a bachelor's degree that includes significant studies in biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics. They must then join a medical school. The medical school involves four years of study and training.
In medical school, students learn anatomy, biology, genetics, pathology, pharmacology, and neurology subjects for the first two years. During this time, their learning takes place mainly in classrooms and laboratories. The following two years involve practical training in diagnosing illnesses and treating patients in medical settings such as hospitals and clinics. They focus on clinical rotations in internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and other specialties. On clearing medical school, students earn a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) or a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
Doctors must complete a five-year surgical residency to become orthopedic surgeons, focusing on didactic, clinical, and research applications. The residency includes rotations in subspecialties such as:
- Pediatric orthopedic surgery: This specialty focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions in children, including congenital disorders, growth abnormalities, fractures, and injuries. Surgeons aim to correct problems and support normal growth and development. Treatments often involve surgery or braces tailored to meet a child’s needs. The goal is to ensure proper bone and joint function and boost overall quality of life.
- Sports medicine: Sports medicine in orthopedics specializes in preventing, addressing, and treating injuries related to physical activities and sports. This field deals with conditions like ligament tears, muscle strains, and joint injuries. Experts focus on both nonsurgical and surgical treatments to help athletes recover and return to their activities. They also provide guidance on injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement to optimize athletic function and reduce future injury risks.
- Musculoskeletal oncology: This area concentrates on diagnosing and treating bone and soft tissue cancers within the musculoskeletal system. Surgeons use a combination of surgical techniques and collaborate with radiology, medical, and pathology oncologists to remove or shrink tumors. The goal is to preserve function, alleviate pain, and improve patient outcomes. Care often involves a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive treatment and support.
- Hand surgery: This specialty addresses conditions and injuries affecting the hands and wrists, including treating fractures, tendon injuries, compartment syndrome, and congenital disorders. Hand surgeons perform procedures using microsurgery and reconstructive surgery techniques to repair damaged tissues, relieve pain, and restore function. The focus is on enhancing daily functionality and quality of life, enabling patients to return to normal activities and work.
To begin practicing, orthopedic surgeons must clear stringent licensure examinations. Some orthopedic surgeons opt to take up a subspecialty. For this, they must study and receive training for an additional one to three years to earn a fellowship.
What to expect during a visit to an orthopedic surgeon?
You might not know what to anticipate when you make an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon near you. You should anticipate that an orthopedic surgeon will initially inquire about your symptoms and any pain you may be experiencing. They may ask you to score the pain on a scale of one to ten. They will also inquire about your family's and your medical history. Be sure to tell them about any recent or old surgeries or injuries you have had, and also list out your current medications. The orthopedist will look at notes made by any referring physician and any reports or test results you may be carrying.
Following this, the orthopedist will conduct a physical examination and ask you to stand and walk or move around to gauge your range of motion. They might order additional tests to diagnose the problem with more precision. This can include magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) or X-rays.
Once they diagnose the problem, the orthopedic surgeon will explain the treatment options. They will list out any surgical or non-surgical treatments you can consider. They will let you know how long the treatment will take and the results that you can expect. Moreover, they will explain the side effects of the treatment, if any. You may have to revisit the orthopedist to check your progress. Accordingly, they will change any medication or therapy they might have recommended earlier.
Are orthopedic surgeons and rheumatologists the same?
The most significant difference between rheumatologists and orthopedists is that the former are not surgeons. Both these specialists treat illnesses and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Hence, they could work together to provide the patient with comprehensive care if required.
Another difference is that orthopedists treat congenital disabilities, injuries, or wear and tear. On the other hand, rheumatologists mainly focus on conditions arising from systemic disease. This includes rare inherited disorders, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and vasculitis.
How can you find a good orthopedic surgeon near you in Tampa?
Finding a skilled, knowledgeable, and competent orthopedic surgeon might be complex. With its comprehensive directory of the best physicians and medical specialists, Zocdoc can assist you with all of your needs.
Create a free account to get started. Filter your needs, such as condition, location, and preferred appointment date. Once you enter your insurance provider on the website, you will see a list of top orthopedic surgeons who accept your insurance plan. While uploading a photo of your medical insurance card on Zocdoc can help you choose the right insurance plan, it's not mandatory. If you prefer not to upload it, you can still add your insurance information by manually selecting your plan from the provided list. If you face any issues, you can visit Zocdoc’s patient help center.
When it comes to successful treatment processes, communication is the key, and finding healthcare professionals who can meet your needs and understand your concerns is significant.
Each medical professional affiliated with Zocdoc has a profile that includes information on their education and training, board certifications, specialization, experience, and the languages they speak. It also lists their hospital affiliations, awards, accreditations, gender, and whether they treat children. Examining verified reviews and user evaluations from prior clients can also help you make an informed choice.
You can schedule a booking with an orthopedic surgeon near you during office hours, before or after office hours, or during weekends, depending on the availability of the orthopedic surgeon.
Additionally, booking an appointment with Zocdoc is cost-free, safe, and accessible.
Statistics on arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders in Florida
The burden of musculoskeletal conditions, such as arthritis and osteoporosis, is increasing nationwide. Figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that by 2040, the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis will be around 25.9% of the projected total adult population. It translates to about 78.4 million adults aged 18 and above.
As per America's Health Ranking, in 2022, the prevalence of arthritis in Florida varied across different age groups and genders. Approximately 28.4% of the population was affected by arthritis. Within the age group of 18-44 years, 8.2% of individuals had arthritis, while in the age group of 45-64 years, the prevalence was higher at 33.6%. Among those aged 65 and older, a significant 52% were affected by arthritis.
Furthermore, there was a notable gender disparity, with women experiencing a higher prevalence of arthritis, at 31.8%, compared to men, where the majority of arthritis was 24.8%.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Alpha Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Association of American Medical Colleges
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.